Brighton is renowned for being the UK’s bohemian answer to San Francisco, and is just 50 minutes on the train away from the capital. So without further ado, here are the Top 10 things to do in Brighton, as told by Lizzi Hart, a recent Sussex graduate and marketing assistant at the Graduate Recruitment Bureau

What it is: Two sets of windy lanes full of shops, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes.

Why you should go: The Lanes and the North Laine hold a plethora of culture, entertainment and kooky unusual shops. With some of the best bars, shops and eateries residing in these two iconic shopping districts, they represent the epitome of Brighton life.

In terms of the shops, either opt for retro and kitsch (North Laine) or independent and designer boutiques. Make sure you get a chance to explore both areas at a leisurely pace before you get too bogged down with coursework.

As well as activities, for those who just want to sun themselves with a pint, the seafront has a bunch of bars and restaurants looking out towards the majestic sea.

And if you fancy a walk or cycle along the seafront towards Hove, you’ll see the famous Brighton Bandstand and the majestic Hove Lawns and Hove Lagoon (here’s your chance to get the famous Brighton beach hut photos too).

Good for: Seeing your favourite bands/artist or discovering new music.

What it is: Various music venues that showcase a huge variety of genres.

Why you should go: Brighton’s music scene is renowned and genre-scaping; from rock, metal, pop, jazz, house, punk, dubstep, reggae and folk, to name but a few.

The city has some of the best (and most unusual) venues in the country, such as the Green Door Store, situated underneath the station (yep, you heard right). Smaller venues like the Hope & Ruin and Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar offer quirky intimacy. Meanwhile, Concorde 2 and Patterns (formerly Audio) are famed for both live bands and their incredible live club nights. And if you’re after new music, head to one of the many open mic nights in the city, or wait until May for Brighton’s city-wide Great Escape Festival – Europe’s leading festival for new music.

Why you should go: When asked why they chose Brighton, many students say the nightlife – and they’re not wrong. Plus, the diversity of the city is reflected in the huge variety of clubs.

If you’re after mainstream music or a bit of cheese, head to West Street for places such as Pryzm (Wednesday is student night!). The seafront also holds a vast range of mainstream, alternative and LGBTQ clubs, not to mention some of the aforementioned music venues that double up as clubs after dark. Fancy a Jazzy night out? Head to Casablancas. Want to dance to old school Pop and Indie? Check out The Haunt. No matter what day of the week it is, you will find somewhere fun to go.

Why you should go: The Pavilion itself is well worth a tour for the history and majestic architecture, but even from the outside, it offers a poignant landmark for this quirky city.

In the summer, relax in the ornate palace gardens with friends and listen to the coveted buskers. In the winter, head to the Royal Pavilion ‘pop-up’ ice-skating rink – Brighton’s answer to Somerset House in London.

Why you should go: If you’re keen for a night out, but don’t fancy hitting the clubs, why not dabble in some theatre, catch a film or head down to a comedy night?

Brighton has the usual cinemas, and the unusual. On London Road you’ll find the first ever purpose-built (and longest running) cinema in the country: The Duke of York’s. For all manner of on-stage performances, check out the Brighton Dome, the Theatre Royal and the Brighton Centre. For comedy, the Komedia is renowned for its excellent comedy nights, alongside many Brighton pubs and venues that also host comedy gigs.

What it is: A by-no-means exhaustive list of some of the best Brighton food and drink spots.

Why you should go: For coffee, The Marwood is a favourite, with its weird and wonderful decorations of random paraphernalia in a carnivalesque fashion. The Redroaster is also a Brighton staple, and they’ve been hand-roasting their own coffee beans for over 10 years.

In terms of food, alongside the usual chains, you just have to check out these places.

What is it: A beautiful spot of countryside situated in the National Trust South Downs, just north of Brighton.

Why you should go: If you’d like a nice trip to the countryside settings of the South Downs, head to Devil’s Dyke. It’s easily accessible from central Brighton via bus, car or bike (if you can brave the hills), and a fantastic spot for a picnic, a picturesque walk or a pint at The Devil’s Dyke pub.